Hunt’s triple treat

By Tania Martin
KEN Hunt may not have been chosen as a finalist for the prestigious Archibald Prize but his work is still being recognised.
The Emerald artist was chosen for the third consecutive year to feature in the Hidden Faces of the Archibald exhibition.
The show highlights 40 of the best paintings that entered the prize but didn’t make the final cut.
This year the Archibald had more than 708 entries but only 42 finalists were chosen.
Hunt said making the cut for the hidden faces show was almost as good as winning the Archibald.
Despite making the grade for the exhibition in 2007 and 2008 with his paintings of AFL star Nathan Buckley and actor John Stanton, Hunt didn’t expect to be chosen this year.
“It was announced a bit later than usual and I thought it wasn’t going to happen this year, but I am very pleased I made it,” Hunt said.
Hunt’s painting of well known actor Stefan Dennis went on show last Wednesday 17 June at the Smart Artz Gallery in South Melbourne.
He said choosing to paint the actor was not a hard decision to make.
Hunt has known Dennis for years as a regular customer at his Monbulk jewellers shop and patron of his art.
Dennis is known for his work as the resident ‘bad boy’ on the popular soap opera, Neighbours.
He had admired the Emerald artist’s work for years but it wasn’t until the last minute that Hunt decided to even enter the Archibald Prize this year.
However, when he finally made the decision, Hunt thought it would be a great chance to immortalise the popular actor on canvas.
Hunt is now proving that he can match it with some the best up coming Victorian artists.
He said being chosen three years running was a huge step forward for his career.
“It’s a massive recognition…it’s nice to be chosen out of hundreds of paintings,” Hunt said.
The exhibition is now open until Sunday 12 July and is located at 2 Alfred Place, from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4.30pm.